The Best Online Master’s in Software Engineering Programs

Summary of work: More than 60 hours of research. Every online Master in Software Engineering program in the US analyzed. 21 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 25 of the best programs identified.

In our modern age, software is a major part of almost every aspect of life. We use software for healthcare, entertainment, finance, education, gaming, and so much more. Software engineers are the vital professionals who create and maintain this all-important software; specifically, they write code, design algorithms, and make sure programs are keeping up to speed and meeting the many demands of business and society. Software engineering is a rapidly-growing field, and a graduate degree could be a perfect fit for anyone who loves working with computers to improve our world.

Although programs differ, they tend to have similar curricula. Graduate students should expect courses in web development, software architecture, web security and privacy, and software development in C++. These courses will prepare students to develop and maintain the programs that affect so many aspects of our lives.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING GRADUATE DEGREE?

There are several options for professionals with graduate degrees in software engineering. Many graduates will become software developers or computer programmers. Others to on to careers as game engineers, biomedical engineers, or computer and information research scientists.

CAN I GET A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING GRADUATE DEGREE ONLINE?

Yes, many schools offer online programs in software engineering. That said, it is essential to find a program that is accredited.

HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING GRADUATE DEGREES?

Online degrees are accepted by most employers. Many well-respected institutions offer degrees in software engineering online.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING GRADUATE DEGREE?

A graduate degree in software engineering usually takes about two years to complete. However, it may take longer for part-time students or students in a cohort-based program.

IS A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING GRADUATE DEGREE WORTH IT?

Yes. Software engineering is a necessary field at the forefront of technology. In addition to being incredibly impactful, many professionals have the added benefit of earning six-figure salaries.

There has never been a better time to earn a graduate degree in software engineering. This is an exciting, innovative field that is growing every day. Professionals in software engineering are at the forefront of our technological society, and they have the power to make the world wide web—and the world in general—a better place.

For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.

Best Online Masters in Software Engineering Programs

We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Software Engineering program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the Top 25 online Masters in Software Engineering programs.

Kansas State University's online master's in software engineering program covers the foundations, theories and methods of the field, giving students an in-depth look at everything that goes into developing computer software. Graduates have numerous career opportunities in several areas, from transportation to entertainment, developing computer systems software to benefit multiple industries.

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related engineering or science area. Applicants with degrees in other areas must have mathematical maturity characteristic of students who have taken courses in symbolic logic or discrete mathematicsCredit Requirements: 33 credits

Penn State World Campus specializes in distance education, offering a fully online master's in software engineering program for distance learners who want to advance their careers. Students move through the program as a cohort, learning from the same faculty that teaches on campus and building a network for future career opportunities.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or information science from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Students from other undergraduate majors with extensive work experience in the software engineering field may be consideredCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Arizona State University has more than 60 engineering student organizations and professional societies to give software engineering students hands-on experience and networking opportunities for career advancement. Online students can also join these organizations and gain the knowledge needed to advance their careers in the field of engineering.

USC's master's in software engineering program emphasizes emerging trends such as mobile architectures and agile methods, developing software for the needs of the future. Students learn the necessary skills in software development, systems engineering and management to pursue non-outsourceable careers in the field of software engineering.

Kennesaw State University gives students the ability to customize the program to suit their needs and objectives. Students can choose the project-based path or the thesis path to complete the program and to earn their master's in software engineering degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Computing and Software EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: SACSCOC

Drexel University's faculty members not only excel in academics but also as professional engineers in the field. They share their expertise with software engineering students, developing their skills and helping them to achieve their career goals through intensive training and thorough guidance.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Computing & InformaticsProgram Name: MS in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution. Those without a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Math (plus programming) may have to take additional prerequisites before pursuing advanced computer science coursesCredit Requirements: 45 credits

Students who want to excel as cybersecurity engineers and data scientists should consider Auburn University's master's in software engineering program. With advanced courses in cybersecurity engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, graduates are prepared to (1) analyze and develop big-data systems and to (2) protect and defend computer information systems.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Samuel Ginn College of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or provide proof of equivalent training from a recognized academic institution outside the United StatesCredit Requirements: 33 credits (non-thesis)

Students who graduate with a Harvard degree have the credentials to assume leadership positions in a variety of industries. The engineering program has developed renowned prestige and produces leaders in software engineering thanks to a distinguished faculty and a state-of-the-art curriculum.

ECU offers a Master of Science in Software Engineering program that caters to both on-campus and online students in one. This program emphasizes teamwork and builds team skills through a collaborative learning environment in which on-campus and distance learners work together to complete class projects.

Cal State Fullerton's online master's in software engineering program develops students into professional leaders in the field, providing a curriculum that prepares them for senior positions. Upon graduation, students will have the skills to assume roles as senior software engineers, software engineering leaders and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: WSCUC

UMUC believes in educating students through hands-on training, helping them to learn the functions of developing software via first-hand experience. Online students, including those who attend hybrid classes on campus, will learn advanced coding techniques, software methodologies and more by physically developing software engineering projects.

Students who take three courses every semester are able to complete the master's in software engineering program more quickly. This accelerated format is best for full-time students who can work through consecutive semesters and want to earn their master's degree in only 15 months.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Science and Engineering Program Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAvailable Concentrations: Gaming and Robotics Software, Software Project Management, Software Development

Illinois Tech's Master of Computer Science program includes a specialization in software engineering and is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in software systems. With courses in software system architectures and software project management, graduates will have the skills to excel in software systems engineering as lead developers or managers of the department.

Brandeis University offers a part-time, fully online, financially affordable master's in software engineering program. This program is ideal for students who require outstanding financial support, a faculty with leadership experience in the field and the freedom to continue their employment while earning their degree.

Stevens Institute of Technology offers flexible learning options for students who want to earn their master's degree in software engineering. Students can enroll in 100 percent online or on-campus classes, including the option to learn at corporate partner locations for hands-on experience.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Systems & EnterprisesProgram Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree with a "B" average or better from an accredited college or university.Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Texas Tech's Master of Science in Software Engineering program emphasizes advanced software engineering concepts related to software design and development. Students in this program learn advanced methodologies and best practices to succeed as leaders in the engineering field.

Virginia International University offers a comprehensive master's in software engineering program for distance learners who want to advance their careers in the field. This program covers every aspect of software engineering, developing the students' critical-thinking skills and giving them the knowledge to apply theoretical concepts for designing, developing, testing and maintaining software.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Computer Information SystemsProgram Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

Mercer University approaches software engineering from a technical side and teaches students how to manage a software development project from beginning to end. Graduates are prepared to create successful engineering projects for their organizations and also to assume leadership positions in their respective engineering departments.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Engineering in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degrees in engineering and as a minimum a semester of multi-module computer programming in a modern high order languageCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Lewis University's Master of Computer Science program features a software engineering concentration with a strong emphasis on management. Many of the courses focus on management and software design, development and maintenance, giving students a foundational skill set for pursuing management positions upon earning their degree.

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or information systems is preferredCredit Requirements: 32 credits

The University of Michigan in Dearborn offers students the best computing resources for completing the courses in the master's in software engineering program. Students have access to local networks with 200 quad-core and i7 PCs, including a games and multimedia entertainment laboratory, no matter if they study on campus or online.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Software EngineeringAccrediting Body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from an accredited institution with a grade point average of "B" or betterCredit Requirements: 30 credits

West Virginia University designed the master's in software engineering program for working software engineering professionals who are currently employed full time but want to earn their master's degree for career advancement. This program is available fully online, requiring no on-campus attendance, and delivers the coursework via live discussions for an engaging learning experience.

DePaul University's master's in software engineering program offers one of the best curricula in the nation for developing the students' engineering and leadership skills. The curriculum encompasses every important topic of software engineering, including software maintenance, testing and quality assurance, software project management and more.

Southern Methodist University's software engineering program includes courses that were presented by the Software Engineering Institute, which was founded by the Department of Defense. This program not only covers the technical aspects of software engineering but also the management side, giving students the skills to develop advanced software and to lead programming teams after college.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Lyle School of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Software Engineering

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in one of the quantitative sciences, mathematics, or computer science or in one of the engineering disciplines. Minimum of one year of college-level calculusCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Military members who want to pursue a career in software engineering should consider Regis University's master's in software engineering program. Regis offers active-duty and veteran education benefits and has veterans resource centers and a student veterans association to support active, reserve and veteran military personnel and their career goals.

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree either from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a recognized institution in another nation equivalent to a U.S. regionally accredited bachelor's degreeCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: RollingGPA: 3.0Work Experience: 3+ years of relevant work experience OR a bachelor's degree within the past two years in a relevant computer information sciences field is required

Colorado Tech designed its master's in software engineering program to be extremely mobile friendly, allowing students to work on the courses wherever there's an internet connection. With CTU Mobile, students can work from their smartphones and tablets, checking in on coursework, collaborating with peers and getting instruction from professors on the go.

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree from any United States institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from internationally recognized foreign institutions of higher education. Students without a background in computer science may need to enroll in foundation coursesCredit Requirements: 48 credits